JFJ Press Release: JFJ Denounces Killing of Police Officer

Friday, January 25, 2013, Kingston, Jamaica – Human rights organization Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) has expressed profound regret at the killing of Special Constable Troy Foster during an operation in Malvern in St. Elizabeth yesterday. Constable Foster was reportedly killed after the police patrol that he was on stopped a group of men in order to conduct a search. It has been reported that on the approach of the police one of the men pulled a gun and opened fire, killing Constable Foster.

It is also reported that during an ensuing shoot out a man was killed. This man was said to be before the courts in St. Elizabeth charged with murder.

“We are always cognizant of the danger faced by our police officers as they carry out their sworn duty to ‘serve, protect and reassure’ the citizens of this country. JFJ is grateful for the willingness of so many outstanding police officers to put themselves forward in this way in defence of the law and the people ofJamaica” said JFJ Executive Director Dr. Carolyn Gomes. “We are deeply saddened by the death of Special Constable Foster and hope that the perpetrators of this murder will be caught and dealt with expeditiously by the courts.”

As JFJ has stated in the past, an attack on the police while lawfully performing their duties is an attack on law and order. We must as a nation bring an end to this senseless bloodletting and break the cycle of violence.

Our sincere condolences go out to the Constable’s family, friends and colleagues. We hope that the other members of the police party that came under fire and had to witness the shooting death of their colleague will be provided with the necessary support and counseling.